Manga Classics: Sense and Sensibility

The attention to detail in this was great. The story was well adapted, and the characters well imagined. It was pretty, and fun and a great way to enjoy classic literature in a way that was completely different to the norm.

If you enjoy classic love stories, then you will like the Manga Classics collection. This version of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility is beautifully illustrated in manga style. Once you pick up one of these books, you will want to read the others. They are that well-done.

Sense and Sensibility tells the story of the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne. The story takes place in England, beginning in Norland Park, where the Dashwood family has an estate. When their father dies, the estate goes to the son, John, and the sisters and mother are left with nothing. This is because, in those days, women did not own property. Although John pledges to take care of the family, he doesn’t do a very good job of it and they end up leaving the estate for a smaller house in a distant town. John is not a very strong personality and his wife, Fanny, convinces him not to help the family much at all. Before leaving Norland Park, Elinor meets a young man named Edward and falls in love, although she hides this from her family and denies it to herself too. Edward’s sister, Fanny, disapproves of the relationship, believing it is below Edward’s class, and actively discourages it once she finds out about it. So, the sisters and their mother move out of Norland Park. Once they settle into their new home at Barton Cottage, courtesy of another male relative, they put some distance between themselves and Fanny. At their new home, Marianne falls in love too. But, has she fallen in love with the wrong man?

The dramatic story continues as Marianne and Elinor both explore their relationships and try to find the right man to marry. It gets complicated along the way, but it does work out in the end. Who will marry whom and how many adventures will they have along the way? It makes for a really absorbing read for a rainy afternoon.

These books have stood the test of time because they are enduring stories that have been enjoyed by so many readers for over a century. It was first published in 1811! They also offer a look back at the culture of the time and how people related to one another and found their place in society. There is a great section at the end of the book that talks about how the story was adapted into Manga format. It’s very interesting to read because it gives the reader a historical perspective on the events in the novel. For example, it explains that hair keepsakes were a very popular item at the time! It also explains how property was inherited in those times. Younger brothers who did not inherit the estates of their fathers had to find acceptable work and that meant either the military or the clergy. It was considered inappropriate for gentlemen to work and they made their money off rents collected on their properties! It was considered inappropriate for unmarried men and women to hang out together without a chaperone in attendance at all times.

These facts and more can be found in the endnotes. But the book itself is very attractive and the artwork is stunning. The characters have to be able to convey emotion in a format with very little text. So, they have to be drawn so that they can convey inner emotions to the reader. The artists did a great job doing this for all the characters. Certainly, they can use thought balloons for this, but also the talented artists use a few strokes of a pen to make a character appear happy, depressed, exhausted, elated, etc. It takes a lot of artistic talent to do that and these artists have earned my respect for their amazing skills.

Manga is a Japanese style of graphic novel. You read manga from the ‘back’ of the book toward the ‘front.’ In Western style books, you read the other way around. So, it might seem like it would take a lot of getting used to. However, you will easily get the hang of it after a page or two. It didn’t take me long at all to adapt to reading this way and I enjoyed it.

As an educator, these books appeal to me because I see how they could be used in the classroom to introduce students to these timeless tales. If you are teaching English literature, or even a reading group, I think these books would be appropriate to use in the classroom. Students will enjoy the graphic format and the illustrations will draw them into the story. I highly recommend the entire Manga Classics series for this very reason. I know you will enjoy this book!

I’d like to thank NetGalley and the authors and publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for my honest review.

Like all the others great classic adaptations, this one is no exception. Jane Austen is a genius of her time and this manga definitely makes her justice!

The story line of Sense and Sensibility is widely known. A low-class family of three sisters has their life turned upside down when their father dies prematurely, leaving his fortune to his next male relative. Their story takes place in 17th century England, where the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, will learn about love, heartbreak, secrets in a time where appearances, fortune and good matches are key for a positive future.

This manga is simply beautiful. The adaptation is great, keeping not only the main skeleton of the novel but also details that made me reconnect with these beautiful and courageous women and men. The drawings are also beautifully made. I could definitely feel the chemistry between Elinor and Edward and Marianne and Mr. Willougby and Coronel Brandon. I could see the emotions in each character and for me they were really nicely represented. The details on the dresses, the carriages and the house interiors were amazing to see and it really helped getting into the story.

I have loved every single Manga Classic so far and I’m very excited to see which classic is coming next!

'Manga Classics: Sense and Sensibility' by Jane Austen with adaptation by Stacy King and art by Po Tse is another great addition to the Manga Classics line.

The Dashwood's family fortunes are changed when their father suddenly dies. Sisters Elinor and Marianne live with their mother and are forced to move from their family home. Both find romance, Elinor with Edward Ferrars and Marianne with John Willoughby, but this being Jane Austen, you know there will be bumps along the road to a happy ending.

I have not read the original work (shame on me), but I have seen film adaptations. This adaptation seems very complete, and even covers ground that is not in the films. I've read a couple other adaptations by Stacy King, so I know she is typically very faithful to the original. The art by Po Tse is very much in a manga style. These are great gateway mangas for fans of literature, and great gateways to literature for manga fans. It seems like a win-win to me.

I received a review copy of this manga from UDON Entertainment, Morpheus Studios, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this manga.

I actually enjoyed this story more than I thought I would. I was even upset when both men in the lives of the two sisters were being such 'users'. Even up to this day the challenges that these characters faced are what people are still experiencing. I believe that would be the term befitting them in the 21st century. I now understand why Jane Austen is one of the number one names that comes up when you look up the word 'literature'.

One again, Stacy King never fails to amaze me by her adaptations on Manga Classics. This is as close as I'll ever get to reading classic. Who knows, maybe I'll read the entire novel when I'm older.

Wow. This book was filled with intense emotion and you really could feel the character’s emotions. I loved seeing how these two totally different women lived their lives after their loss. When I read this book a long time ago I couldn’t really grasp everything. I enjoyed how this was a more modernized version of the story. I feel this book is great for students and for young readers who want to experience this story with an easier and quicker feel. The reason I didn’t give this book 5 stars is because I didn’t enjoy the artwork as much as a previous manga classic I read but it might just be my preference. This still was a great adaptation and I definitely recommend it to Jane Austen fans and/or manga lovers!

Thanks to NetGalley and UDON Entertainment for the opportunity to read and review Manga Classics! Manga Classics include Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, which is true to the original classic with added cliffhangers to keep manga readers interested and eye-catching illustrations. After the story ends, the details of adaptation from classic literature to manga lets us see into the transformation. Each story in this collection follows these same guidelines! Impressive artwork and transformation!
Manga Classics also include The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling, Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne (the only color is the scarlet letter A, which makes striking illustrations!), Les Miserables by Victor Hugo, The Stories of Edgar Allan Poe: The Tell-Tale Heart, The Raven. The Cask of Amontillado, The Masque of the Red death and The Fall of the House of Usher; Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen, Great Expectations by Charles Dickens and many more!
5 stars for books that make classics accessible and understandable to every reader!

My rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Netgalley #15
Many thanks go to UDON and Netgalley for the free copy of this Manga version of Jane Austen’s classic for my unbiased opinion. This is probably my favorite Austen novel, so I’m very excited to see how it translates. And translate it certainly did! What beautiful illustrations. I feel there may have been a slight cinematic influence as well. And all the famous quotes were included, which was a requirement. I think this format is an excellent way for the YA crowd to enjoy classic literature. Definitely better than Cliff’s Notes. I plan on collecting more of these titles; they are simply delightful.

It has been nearly ten years since I first read Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility. There is something about Jane Austen's characters that feel so relevant in the modern age. In manga classic's version of Sense and Sensibility, the characters of Marianne and Elinor Dashwood are brought to life in Regency era England. When the Dashwoods' father dies, Marianne, Elinor and their mother are left vulnerable to the world without prospects. Even though Marianne and Elinor's half-brother, John, promised to take care of them, his wife Fanny has other ideas. Suddenly, the Dashwoods find themselves without prospects. But, in Jane Austen's world, love always prevails. A story of love and heartbreak, and the bond of sisterhood, Sense and Sensibility is one of Jane Austen's masterpiece.
Manga classics' version of Sense and Sensibility follows the original plotline of the novel with ease. The designs of the characters themselves are reflections of their personalities. For instance, Elinor's hair is straight and tamed, Marianne's is wild and curly. Even silly characters such as Mrs. Jennings is portrayed through her expressive facial reactions. All in all, this is an excellent adaptation of the novel. For those who are intimidated by the antiquity of Jane Austen's novels, please give this one a try. Or if you have read all of Jane Austen's novels and desperately wish for more Regency drama, this adaptation is right for you!
*I received Manga Classics: Sense and Sensibility from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

I absolutely adored this book! The artwork was beautiful and the story was abridged well-enough to give students the gist of the work without over complicating the plot for their first encounter with a story. I look forward to using this edition in my classroom.

Book Review
Title: Sense and Sensibility
Author: Stacy King (Goodreads Author) (Story Adaptation), Po Tse (Art by), Jane Austen (Original Story)
Genre: Manga/Classics
Rating: ****
Review: The opening to Sense and Sensibility was, we are introduced to Marianne and Elinor Dashwood. Shortly before their father’s death his estate is left to his son John, after his death John and Fanny move into their home making them effectively lodgers. John makes many changes to home upsetting his late father’s and his two step sisters, but they manages to live in relatively harmony especially when Edward arrives, and Elinor is smitten with him. However, the peace doesn’t last long, and the sisters and their mother eventually move with Devonshire far away from everything they have ever known.
While Elinor longs for Edward to come to visit, Marianne is looked upon often. First by the Coronel Brandon who seems to be very taken with the young woman, but she looks kindly upon Mr. Willoughby who rescues her after she falls and sprains her ankle. As Marianna and Mr. Willoughby become more and more involved Elinor is worried for her sister’s prospects especially when Marianne is so rash compared to her. However, her sister will not hear of it and it causes a lot of tension between the once close siblings. This could be due to the fact that Elinor has eyes for no man bar Edward who still hasn’t visited her or even written while her sister is falling in love. On the side-lines the Coronel waits and while he desires Marianne he doesn’t want to break her spirit but imposing himself where he is obviously not wanted.
As we approach the halfway mark in the novel, things are looking up for the sister’s Mr. Willoughby is called away to London and Marianne does hear from him for months. However, Edward does come to visit Elinor but fails to mention that he is already engaged to a woman he doesn’t love, and it breaks Elinor’s heart, but she understands the importance of a good match and even encourages the relationship. Soon after both sisters travel to London for the season where Marianne meets Mr. Willoughby again to learn that he is also engaged to be married and it has a devasting effect on Marianne and she slips into a deep depression and even refuses to eat. It seems her sisters concerns were well placed but there doesn’t seem to be anything that can be done for the poor Marianne.
Through many months the truth comes to light for both Marianne and Elinor in regard to the men they love, while Elinor learns that Edward was honest and true and went against what his family wanted to marry her, it wasn’t so for Marianne. She learns that Mr. Willoughby is bound to a loveless marriage because he couldn’t commit to a woman he ruined but she eventually finds love with the Coronel who has been by her side all along. While this wasn’t my favourite from the manga classics collection I did really enjoy the story and art work and highly recommend it.

Sense and Sensibility is my second favorite Jane Austen novel, so I was a little hesitant going into this manga since it has a lot to live up to.

The Dashwood family lived at Norland Park in Sussex, England. We find John Dashwood visiting his sickly father, Henry. Henry’s dying wish is for John to take care of his mother and sisters as John is left with the entire estate. With the suggestion of his atrocious wife, Franny, John doesn’t give his sisters and mother-in-law any money, but only a place to stay.

When Franny’s brother, Edward, arrives, Elinor becomes quite attached to him. However, Edward’s sister disapproves and makes it clear to the Dashwood ladies. After a letter from Sir John Middleton, he offers the lady Dashwoods a home in a nearby cottage. While at dinner the next night, the girls meet Colonel Brandon, who quickly becomes enraptured with Miss Marianne; however, she deems him far too old for any romance connection.

One day while out walking, it starts to rain, Marianne sprains her ankle, and Willoughby comes to her rescue. As things start to become steamy between the two, Willoughby is sent to London on business by his aunt. Is that the real reason, though?

The Middletons receive two new guests: Anne and Lucy Steele, who are young women like Elinor. They have a secret. What is it? And does it affect our Miss Dashwoods?

Will Elinor and Marianne ever find true love? Or will things continue in a downward spiral for them?

Of course, nothing can compare to the original! However, this was only slightly behind. This would be a great read for someone who can’t quite read Jane Austen books yet. As I usually say, these Manga Classics are so pleasant because they breakdown the stories, still portraying the intended message, but weed out all of the ineffective descriptions. The only thing I was a little disappointed with, is that Margaret was kind of just thrown in at the end. I almost forgot about her. And in the original, we see Edward interact with her and it makes my heart melt! Otherwise, another great manga by Manga Classics and Stacy King!

Jane Austen is one of my favorite authors, and I have to say that this adaptation does her justice! I thought the illustrations were very beautiful and that it stayed true to the original! I highly recommend this to any Austenite!

Thank you Netgalley and Udon Entertainment for the ARC of this beautifully illustrated Manga Edition of A Classic. Sense and Sensibility is Jane Austen's first full-length novel. I enjoyed the story and loved Colonel Brandon the most in the story. I liked how he was helpful and honest. He was honorable and had high regard for Marianne. Marianne was young, naive and inexperienced and her naivety gets her in trouble and leaves her with a lot of heartaches. Elinor was mature, more sensible but she was also emotionally closed off in the book. Edward was, in my opinion, my least favorite and he seemed to be indecisive and not very sure of himself. I did not like his pairing with Elinor as I felt she could do better. Willoughby is the perfect amount of good and bad. He is vain, spends money lavishly on his pleasures, flirts and seduces young women without thinking about the repercussions. Overall I think we get a picture of the characters from the Manga. I enjoyed the format and how they were depicted. I am giving it 4 stars.

My favorite is Stacy's thoughts on how she came to write the script and design the characters. I t gives us a unique insight into her mind and helps us understand it from the author's point of view.

As a thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced reader copy I shall give an honest review of manga classics: “Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen, story adaptation by Stacy King, and art by Po Tse. As the tagline suggests the reader experiences classic tales in the manga. Sense and Sensibility was one of the Austen books I read in 2019, and have seen multiple adaptations of the novel on screen. Coming into this format I was excited to see multiple characters given their moment to shine and they did. Condensed into a smaller format Stacy King was able to bring the heart of the novel to this Magna. The illustrations depicted showcase emotions suggested in the novel and to see it materialize is an amazing gift in which Po Tse has given us. If you already know the story, seen the movie, or read the book you owe it to yourself to explore another format in which Jane Austen’s timeless story has been told. Out of five stars on Goodreads, I give this Magna five out of five stars.

~This digital copy has been gently provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review~

Sense and Sensibility is one of my favourite novels by Jane Austen, and I absolutely liked this manga adaptation. It's amazing how the story is summed up without losing its essence. A lovely and beautifully illustrated version of this remarkable classic. I wonder, what would Jane Austen think of this adaptation? Well, I'm sure she'd love it!

The story is about two sisters, Elinor and Marianne, both represent very contrasting temperaments. On the one hand, Elinor symbolises sense; she is able to keep her feelings under control, even in the hardest times, so as to help others. On the other hand, Marianne symbolises sensibility; she is totally spontaneous. These characteristics are clearly depicted when they fall in love, for example. Although, we can see that through the story, Elinor and Marianne are not entirely sensible and sensitive, respectively. We can see a bit of both in them.

The ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I'm a big fan of Jane Austen. I read all her books and watched every single movie or TV series adaptations. So, when I bumped into this manga I couldn't help but dive into it! The illustrations are really amazing. It was cool reading about Elinor and Marianne and seeing her faces and expressions.
This manga is true to the story and gives it justice.
It's really an amazing product and a good and innovative way to discover or re-discover this heart warming classic.

I was really excited to read this version of Sense & Sensibility by Manga Classics! I honestly love these comic book adaptations of classic novels. Jane Austen is my all-time favorite author, and I am always happy to read adaptations of her books. I have a few classics-as-comics from various publishers (Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, Pride and Prejudice, Fahrenheit 451) and I absolutely love them all! This is the third classic-as-comic that I have read from Manga Classics and I have been impressed with them all. I think it is really important to study the great works of literature, and adapting them into comic book format makes them super fun, quick, and easy to read. I was impressed with the book; for a shortened version of the text, the authors did a fantastic job of selecting the important parts of the text, highlighting and explaining it in a fun and easy way. I thought that the illustrations were very cute and would add helpful visualizations for younger readers. Pride and Prejudice is a very long book and this was a great condensed version: all of the major plot points were hit, making this a really accurate adaptation.

Jane Austen is one of my favorite authors and has brought out my favorite classics.

In addition to pride and prejudice, sense and sensuality is number 2 in my favorites list. Reading the whole thing as a manga is a completely different feeling and an exciting thing.

The cover is beautiful and the drawing style is very romantic and soft. I like these pastel colors and the flowers.

Everyone knows the story of the Dashwood sisters and their difficult time after their father died. Your path to a happy future that leads to many problems and misunderstandings is not an easy one. Nevertheless, the sisters do not give up their courage and fight for a safe and happy future.

For me, the story has been wonderfully implemented and drawn. The soft style only fits time and shouldn't have been any different for me. I found it really fantastic to be able to dive into a long-known world again.

Thank you for this great manga that really gave me a few nice hours. The work gets 5 stars from me.